The first winner of the US version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire made headlines in November 1999 by using his only lifeline not for help, but to tell his father he was about to win the top prize. John Carpenter, a tax agent for the Internal Revenue Service, had reached the final question without using any of his three lifelines, a feat in itself.
Hosted by the late Regis Philbin, the show’s final question asked which US president appeared on the sketch comedy show Laugh-In. The options were Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter. Carpenter chose to phone a friend, surprising the audience as he had not used a single lifeline before.
Speaking to his father on speakerphone, Carpenter said: 'I don’t really need your help. I just wanted to let you know that I’m gonna win the million dollars.' The live audience erupted in laughter and applause. He correctly selected Richard Nixon and walked away with the $1 million prize.
The US version aired until 2019, returning a year later with Jimmy Kimmel as host and celebrity contestants. In the UK, the show continues with Jeremy Clarkson as presenter. Since 2000, six contestants have won the £1 million prize, starting with Judith Keppel.
